First Timer's Guide to Baton Rouge
First time in Baton Rouge? No, not us, not our first time. Planning trips is hard enough, let alone to a new city, but that’s what we’re here for!
Whether you’re in town to see the sights or feast on bites, this first timer’s guide to Baton Rouge has everything you should add to the to-do list. Let us help you plan your first visit to Louisiana's capital!
Visit Louisiana's Old & New State Capitol Buildings
If you find beauty in everything, Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is the place for you. Unmistakably known for its stained glass cathedral dome and cast iron staircase that draws from Gothic and Victorian architecture, our “Castle on the River” will leave an impression on you forever.
After getting your Instagrammable moment under the stained glass, stop by the Louisiana State Capitol, the tallest capitol building in the United States with community grounds perfect for a lunch break outside.
Insider’s Tip: Both attractions are open on Saturdays, making it the perfect opportunity to hit the Red Stick Farmers Market in between or after visiting the two landmarks. The new state capitol building's observation deck is currently closed for renovations but the building itself remains open to the public.
Meet Mike The Tiger At His Habitat
If there’s anything that needs to be included on your itinerary, it’s taking a visit to Mike’s Habitat. While some colleges have live mascots like dogs, LSU is the only university with a live tiger mascot on its campus. He may seem like just another tiger, but Mike is anything but that. The habitat is lined with tokens of history about Mike the Tiger throughout the years and they are definitely worth the read.
Insider’s Tip: Mike’s Habitat is right next to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Pay him a visit after watching one of your favorite Tiger sports teams in LSU’s “Deaf Dome”!
Try Louisiana Must-have Dishes Around The City
Beignets. Boudin. Crawfish. Po-boys. Whatever Louisiana dish you got in mind, there’s bound to be a perfect place somewhere in the Capital City. You can’t leave without an order or two of the famous beignet fingers from Coffee Call. The Chimes is a staple with just about every Louisiana favorite, including jambalaya and red beans and rice. If you’re looking to satisfy your seafood cravings, try the Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives-approved Louisiana oysters from Phil's Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant, or get an order of fried catfish from Parrain's Seafood Restaurant.
Insider’s Tip: If you need a few options before deciding where to sit down, the Perkins Overpass is a foodie’s playground with various cuisines fit for anyone.
Get A History Lesson In At These Museums
Big fan of learning about the history of places you visit? Baton Rouge will surely get you right up to speed with these local museums that take their own unique deep dive into the past. For a Louisiana history rundown, start with the Capitol Park Museum or Louisiana's Old Governor's Mansion, then see how arts and sciences overlap at the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.
Insider’s Tip: First Free Sundays in Baton Rouge feature seven local museums that open their doors for free!
Catch A Game No Matter What Season It Is
If there’s anything to know about Baton Rouge, it’s that we show up and show out for sports! Whether it’s those first four notes of LSU football’s pregame song in Tiger Stadium or the thrilling Bayou Classic that features Southern University every year, the sports culture here is unlike anywhere else. University sports aside, try packing into the Raising Cane’s River Center for a hockey game or take a trip to Pete Goldsby Field for a Baton Rouge Rougarou baseball game.
Insider’s Tip: If spectator sports aren’t for you, take a look at the other outdoor activities Baton Rouge has to offer.
Eat At The Original Raising Cane's
Raising Cane’s has over 900 restaurants across the country but there’s only one original location, and it’s right here in Baton Rouge. Just steps away from LSU’s campus, the original Raising Cane’s is the perfect stop for a quick bite to eat in between activities.
Insider’s Tip: If you decide to visit Mike the Tiger, his habitat is the perfect walking distance through LSU’s campus from the original Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.
Hit Up These Local Spots In Mid City
Recognized as a hotspot for local business owners and creatives alike, Mid City is Baton Rouge’s best spot to get immersed in the city’s culture. Grab a cup of joe from City Roots or a pastry from CounterSpaceBR before lunch at the neighborhood taco joint and margarita garden, Barracuda Taco Stand, then top it all off with a Michelin-recommended slice of pie from Elsie's Plate and Pie. Somewhere in between, grab some souvenirs from Mimosa Handcrafted jewelry or Circa 1857 antique shop.
Insider’s Tip: Try to line up your trip with the annual Taste of Mid City street festival to find all these bites and more in one spot!
Plan Your First Visit
Looking for more ideas to add to the list? Check out these season-specific activities, like state fairs and corn mazes in the fall and botanical gardens and music festivals in the spring. Bring the whole family for these family-friendly activities and weave in some free fun, too!
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